Race Guide: Drow

Tags: in

Updated Fri, Feb 13, 2009 by Ralsu

Drow

By Ralsu

Drow hail from dangerous regions of Xen'drik. Thriving on the acquisition of power, these normally wicked people sometimes display compassion after exposure to the other races inhabiting Stormreach. Former slaves of the giant kingdoms, the drow created a legend for their race by staying behind after the rebellion that freed the other elves. The territory the drow inherited was a mass of giant ruins, and many drow dream of revenge against any giant they encounter. They even hold disdain toward the elves who fled the land, believing their actions marked them as cowards and illustrated that they do not possess the pride and spirit of true elves.

Adventures and Combat
Drow are extremely ambitious, and many choose adventure to gain more power. Others seek vengeance against giants or to learn the ancient secrets of the giant kingdoms. A few others become adventurers because the harsh conditions of their home force them to do so. Finally, a few wise drow have decided to lend their might to the people of Stormreach, to protect the city from an evil force that threatens to spill over into their territories as well.

Unlocking the Drow
Drow will only help those who have proven themselves worthy. From the standpoint of gameplay mechanics, this means players must unlock the drow by completing a large number of quests in Stormreach. Only then will drow recognize the player as worthy of their support.

Racial Traits
+2 Dexterity, +2 Intelligence, +2 Charisma, -2 Constitution: Drow are agile, smart, and compelling. They are also slight.

Magical Defense: Drow are immune to magic sleep effects, and they benefit from a +2 bonus against Enchantment spells and a +2 bonus to Will saves against spells and spell-like effects. Also, Drow have a natural Spell Resistance of 11.

+2 bonus to Listen, Search and Spot checks: Drow's are keenly alert.

Bonus Weapon Proficiency Feats: All drow gain a measure of proficiency with the rapier, shortsword, and shuriken.

Classes
The drow racial traits make them especially adept at the life of these classes:

Enhancements
A drow has access to the following Enhancements:

Elven Perception I-VI	Boosts Listen, Search, and Spot Skill checks by up to +7. Great for rogues.
Elven Arcanum I-IV	Grants 20 spell points per rank, for a total of 80. Great for casters.
Elven Enchantment Resistance I-III	Increases saving throws vs. enchantments by +2 per rank, for a total of +6. This can augment the low Will saves of a barbarian.
Improved Spell Resistance I-XI	Grants SR up to +22 against nondamaging spells. A good choice for tanks.
Elven Arcane Fluidity I-IV	Reduces arcane spell failure chances by 10% when wearing heavier armor with each rank. Good for multi-class characters.
Elven Dexterity I-II	Increases your Dexterity Ability score by 1 per rank, for a total of +2. Good for rogues some ranger builds.
Note: Other drow Enhancements may become available depending on your choice of class. These will generally be fine choices for a character of that class.